“Can’t I? Light it up! Burn this place to the ground.”
“No! That’s a crime!”
Emily laughed coldly. “Laws are made to keep the poor in line, not to threaten the rich.”
“Tie that old woman to a chair. Let her life be buried in the flames. Let’s see if Ethan the coward keeps hiding then.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Daniel fought with everything he had, but he was alone. Soon, he was overpowered.
My mother was tied to a chair, crying out like a wounded animal, begging Emily not to burn the house.
I wept, kneeling, begging Emily not to do this. I wished Daniel would just tell her the truth—that I was already dead.
The flames roared higher. Daniel, desperate, struggled, but Emily struck him with an iron rod, smashing it against his legs.
“Tell me! Where is he?”
“If you don’t, your mother burns.”
Daniel cried out, “Ethan is dead! He’s dead—are you satisfied?”
“You think I’ll believe that nonsense? Dream on.”
Emily, I really am dead. I’m right behind you. If you knew how I died, would you regret everything you’re doing now?
The searing heat was already burning my mother’s skin. Daniel and I both begged Emily to stop.